Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield - Jan/Feb 2016, Issue 31

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE 31

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

New Year, New You! Tuition Plus

Win a Merlin annual family pass

‘Helping students achieve their true potential’

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in Moseley & Bournville Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18 Quality swimming lessons for babies to pre-school little ones.

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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BALLET

SCHOOLS

How to choose a nursery …and much more!

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Families@� An hour-long concert for the whole family

Saturday � February ����, �pm CBSO Centre, Birmingham B� �LF

A wonderful and informal opportunity for all the family to experience the best classical music of our time. Grab a cushion, get close to our musicians and listen to beautiful music performed by BCMG. Come an hour early to take part in fun activities linked to the music in the concert.

All tickets: £5 No charge for children under 3 years of age.

Buy three tickets and the fourth family member gets in for free!

FEBRUARY HALF-TERM

DUTCH FUN!

O O O O

Box Office: ���� ��� ���� bcmg.org.uk

Windmill making craft sessions Dutch Grand Masterclass Dutch trains A taste of Holland

Wher

e else can y , ou driv e a train fly a pl ane o ? r r race a ca

Great Value, Family Ticket only £18.50

3 Mary Ann St, St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1BG To book tickets visit www.wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk

Award-winning tuition Maths & English ages 5 -14

New skills Confidence Enthusiasm

Free trial session - book today!

Birmingham Handsworth Birmingham Harborne

0121 296 4436

Birmingham Kings Heath Birmingham Wylde Green

0121 661 7409

Birmingham Yardley

0121 647 4394 0121 647 5159 0121 306 9455

www.explorelearning.co.uk 2

Issue 31

Contents

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

In this Issue...

4

4 News 6 Competition – win an

Hello Readers, Happy New Year, and a warm welcome to the January/February issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine.

7 8 10 12 14 17

New Year is traditionally a time to take stock and evaluate what is good, and what could be improved in our lives. Many of us think about bettering our health and well-being. On pages 8 and 9, there is a feature from Weight Watchers – with a case study of a local lady to inspire us. Some of us may be considering a change of career – perhaps working for ourselves by turning a passion into a business. As parents we can feel compromised at times, balancing our home/work life. If these are things you have considered, Families is here to help! There is a Careers Feature in our centre pages. Here, a few business managers will tell you a little about their professional journey, about their business, and how they have ended up working on something they feel passionate about.

This magazine is packed with things to see and do in our region.

On page 4 you will see the exciting opportunities offered by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. For those of you who love competitions, on page 6 there is a chance to win a Merlin annual family pass. There are also clubs and classes, theatre productions, events, exciting venues and much more. Remember to tell everyone you read about the best local information right here – in Families Magazine!

18 19

Make sure you never miss any future Families offers/ competitions/giveaways/freebies! Follow us on Twitter @ familiesbirm and like us on facebook.com/familiesbirmingham.

20 21 22

I wish you and your families a happy and healthy 2016.

Suzanne Brown

, Editor

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

annual family pass Choosing a nursery New Year, New You Clubs and classes Careers – case studies Education Age appropriate birthdays A holiday with another family?

Half term activity camps Family Law Theatre productions What’s On

7 18 19

11+ Tuition & Mock Exams

Year 5 Online Course NEW YEAR OFFER - Enrol Now! Only

Picture from Shutterstock

Next Issue:

Advertisers: Book now for our March/April issue.

Call 07807 352087 or email editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday 5th February 2016 Design: MattWaltonDesign@icloud.com (email) Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, November 2015. ©Families Birmingham is part of a registered trademark. Families® Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Magazine Birmingham are protected by copyright. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, nor for any consequence.

*Enrol online & use code:GRAD2016JAN

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£10 +reg*

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Call 0121 733 6558 www.ksol.co.uk Visit ksol.co.uk

*Offer expires - £10 offer month only Offer expires 31/01/2016 - £10 offer for first month only. 31/01/2015 All courses subject to a for £15first registration fee.

Issue 31

3

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Explore the best music of our time with Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

I

s your child a budding lover of music? Then head to Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s family concert series Families@4 when it returns on Saturday 6 February at the CBSO Centre.

The hour-long, late-afternoon concert gives families the chance to experience some of the best classical music of our time in a relaxed and informal way. At the Families@4 concert on 6 February, children can grab a cushion and sit close to BCMG’s performers as they play sparkling classical music.

Families arriving an hour early can also take part in fun activities linked to the music in the concert - including the chance to make a cloud cushion to take home.

BCMG is one of Europe’s leading contemporary ensembles. As well as specialist concerts for families, they run a host of music-making workshops where children and teens can play alongside world class musicians.

For more information visit www.bcmg.org.uk

Children’s Market

Learn to draw, paint, and sculpt!

Fantastic and fun Creative Sunday workshops and family days!

L

ooking for something to keep the children entertained on a chilly January morning? Like to bag a good bargain? Then the Radical Penguin Children’s Market is just for you. Wrap the kids up warm and head out to the ever popular Rowheath Pavillion for this free event.

From 9.30am, on Saturday 30th January, visitors can expect to find a selection of crafts and children’s items made available by local small businesses, in addition to a range of nearly new stalls offering huge discounts on children’s clothes, toys and accessories. To keep the little ones entertained, local groups will run activities and workshops throughout the morning.

Located in the heart of Bournville, South Birmingham, Rowheath Pavillion is a favourite for families and is easily accessible by bus, car and train.

Fragonard Family Day Tuesday 16 February 11am – 3pm Pet portraits, paper costumes, Pooches in Paintings trail & storytelling!

FREE – DROP IN For more information & booking details, pick up our latest Families First leaflet or visit www.barber.org.uk

4

Issue 31

Family Concert with Craft Saturday 5 March 12.30pm – 3pm Hands-on concert with pre-show craft £5 adults/£3 children BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Radical Penguin Events host regular markets across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Details of other upcoming events can be found on their website radicalpenguinevents.co.uk

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Help Brain Tumour Research reach 100,000 signatures S

tephen Realf passed away from a brain tumour in August 2014, aged just 26.

One year on and his sister, Maria, told her family’s devastating story to the national press and launched an e-petition calling for greater funding for brain tumour research. This has already received over 33,000 signatures and has prompted the committee’s first-ever parliamentary inquiry.

However 100,000 signatures are needed by 3rd February 2016 for the issue of lack of funding for brain tumour research to be considered for debate in Parliament.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer... yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease. We must change this.

HOME START VOLUNTEERS WANTED Home Start is looking for parent volunteers to support families in Bartley Green and Quinton.

Please sign Maria’s e-petition today and ask your friends and family to do the same: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/105560 Together we will find a cure.

The charity supports families with young children where parents are struggling with loneliness, post natal illness, relationship problems, single parenthood or coping with multiple births or several young children.

Big Garden Birdwatch

If you have experience of bringing up children and can spare a few hours a week, we would love you to join our team.

Volunteers can be of any age and from all walks of life.

Full training is given for suitable volunteers.

A training course starts in January 2016.

Charity No: 1114963

Last year over half a million people took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, spotting more than 8.5 million birds across the UK, and the organisers are hoping this year’s watch will be a record-breaking event.

Call 0121 675 4441 or e-mail: homestartbgg@yahoo.co.uk

Beautiful 3D casts of baby’s hands and feet in an attractive presentation frame

This year’s survey takes place on 30 and 31 January. To take part, simply spend one hour counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. The morning is the best time to look, when the birds are out and about feeding after a cold winter night. To sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack, go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Frames available in Persian Walnut, Simple White, Shining Silver and Special Gold

For only £75, we visit you in the comfort of your own home, take baby’s impressions and deliver the completed presentation frame to your door in just 2 weeks.

Three keepsake jars are included for locks of hair, a first tooth, hospital armband, umbilical cord, or anything you like that reminds you of those precious early days.

Visit our website for further details.

Web: www.momspresent.co.uk Email: mail@momspresent.co.uk Tel: 0121 686 0338

Only £75 Issue 31

5

Family Days Out

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Win 12 Magical Months of Family Fun!

T

o herald the start of the Merlin Annual Pass January sale (prices start from ÂŁ99pp), the much-loved National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham is offering readers of Families magazine the chance to WIN a standard family Merlin Annual Pass (for four people).

2016 marks a special anniversary of the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham – they are celebrating 20 years of memorable days out! For the chance for one lucky family to win an annual family pass to 32 magical Merlin kingdoms, including 14 in the Midlands region, log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk/win and answer the question below‌ Question – How many years has The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham been open?

A. 5 Years B. 10 Years C. 20 Years The competition closes on Sunday 31st January. Good luck everyone!

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Sale offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or offers. Sale prices quoted here apply to Merlin Annual Passes purchased from Merlin Entertainments only and not from any other third party or agent. Subject to availability, limited number available.

We reserve the right to remove this offer at any time. Prices are subject to change at any time. The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer, all offers are subject to limited promotions availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Admission fee will be deducted when upgrading to a Merlin Annual Pass in person on the same day the ticket was purchased. Some events are not included in both Standard and Premium Passes. For a full list of Terms and Conditions please visit merlinannualpass.co.uk/terms.

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Issue 31

Parenting News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Choosing a nursery What you need to know when choosing a nursery or playgroup

M

any mums return to work after their maternity leave finishes and choose to leave their baby in a nursery. Even if you are a stay-at-home mum or dad, it’s likely that when your child is between the ages of two and three years old you will want her to start at a playgroup or nursery school – for both her benefit and yours. But how do you choose the right nursery for your baby?

You can usually get a list of local nurseries and playgroups from your local council, from your health visitor, local library, GP surgery or on the internet.

Speak with other mums about the nursery or playgroup you are most interested in, and go along and spend a morning at each group, together with your child. Gut instinct can be invaluable in these situations.

10 things to consider when choosing a nursery: 1. Are you and your child made to feel welcome and introduced to the nursery staff, helpers and perhaps to other children? Are you allowed to stay and watch at a time to suit you – not them?

2. Check out the space itself. The room may be a bleak church hall but have the staff made it look lively and interesting?

3. Does the nursery seem too crowded? Numbers are controlled by local authority regulations, and insurance policies, but some playgroups squeeze in extra children 4. Is there somewhere for outdoors play on fine days? Are there books in a quiet corner where children can go and sit? Is there an interactive area, such as a nature table?

5. Check out the toys, equipment and art materials on offer. Are the same toys put out in the same area every day. This is why it’s a good idea to visit more than once on random, different days.

6. Are there varied activities on offer (painting, sandpits, water play areas, Wendy house, play dough, building bricks, puzzles, a dressing up box). Are these accessible all the time?

7. Do the children look excited and interested in the toys available?

8. Does the climbing equipment look well-maintained and is there a soft landing area?

9. What about the staff? Are they listening and talking to the children? Are they calmly in control? Do they seem to be caring with the children? Do they notice aggressive or painfully shy children and get them to join in constructively? Do they spend more time chatting with each other than with the children?

10. Talk to the staff to find out their views on discipline, dealing with anxious

children and free and structured play to see if their ideas are the same as yours.

The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group should be busy and buzzing, but never out of control. Noisy children racing around or charging up and down on bikes and cars shows a clear lack of organisation.

Another point to consider is whether boys and girls at the nursery are treated equally. Do boys get encouraged to do quiet, creative activities or do they run about in gangs and spend a lot of time on sit-on cars and toys? Are girls encouraged to do physical play and large toy activities? Do boys and girls play together? Both boys and girls need physical, energetic play, construction play and quiet creative periods.

Try to visit a group while a singing or story time session is going on. Singing sessions should always be varied and fun with lots of action rhymes and percussion and have all the children enthusiastically joining in. Story time should also be something the children particularly enjoy. The story teller should be able to hold the children’s attention. Story time should not be used as an opportunity for helpers to take the children to the toilet or tidy up.

If you like a particular nursery or playgroup, but feel they fall down in one or two areas, then speak with the supervisor. They may welcome your suggestions and be able to make changes to suit you and your child. If they don’t, then move on and find one that’s more in line with your requirements.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information.

Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Inspiring tuition– free trial session!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.

Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk

2008|2009

29008|2009 002|8002

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL

Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

Ofsted Outstanding

• Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for age 2, 3 & 4 years

Tel: 0121 777 4902

130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

Small World Nursery, 975 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071

Issue 31

7

New Year, New You!

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

New Year, New You Join today – I did it, you can do it too!

C al meetings

aroline’s Story: Everyone has their individual reasons for joining Weight Watchers. An upsetting experience and health issues were the catalysts that made me realise I needed to start living a healthier lifestyle.

*

SUTTON COLDFIELD /

It’s never easy to make a change, but with the right MINWORTH help, support and motivations, the goals are much more MinworthItLodge achievable. has been incredibly rewarding to accomplish & Social Club weight-loss targets and transform to a slimmer me.

lub

rmingham

Club Erdington,

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Robinsonswith Way, Minworth My journey Weight Watchers has been amazing. There’s B76 9BB lots of motivation and encouragement in meetings.

Even BORDESLEY GREEN TuesdayI 6:30pm on weeks don’t do well, I know the support, and the tips St Pauls Centre from CASTLE peopleBROMWICH around me – my Leader and friends, will 405B Belchers Lane, Bordesley Green, Birmingham B9 5SY give me the push I need.

Arden Hall

7:00pm Having friends and family aroundTuesday to provide Water Orton Road, Castle Bromwich, KINGSHURST / SOLIHULL you with encouragement is great, and with the Solihull B36 9PB added support of a Weight Watchers Leader, Pavilions Sporting Club Thursday 1:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm you stand the best chance of reaching Meriden your Drive, Kinghurst, Solihull B37 6BX END goals.SHARD My Leader was fantastic. She motivated 6:30pm me, was incredible inspiration,Monday and was Shardan End Wellbeing Centre also highly professional and a great role WOOD CHELMSLEY 170 Packington Avenue, model.

St. Anne’s Catholic Community Birmingham B34 7RD

Centre

AFTER

I feel Monday so much fitter now that I have made 6:45pm 281 Bosworth Drive, the decision to get healthier – I can now Wood move Chelmsley B37 5DP STECHFORD without feeling like I am going toTuesday collapse, and I’ve 6:00pm Cascades foundStechford I can do more with my time too.

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Station It’s not justRoad, myStechford, everyday movement thatathas improved The Loft the Bluebell Centre either.

I can now jog and run and have even completed my Birmingham B33 8QN SMBC, West Mall, Chelmsley Wood B37 5TH first 10k race with the Great Birmingham Run – a wonderfully Thursday 5:00pm emotional experience that filled me with a lot of pride and a Friday 9:30am GREEN greatKITTS sense of achievement.

CHELMSLEY WOOD

The has Pumpimproved considerably. I eat healthier foods and My diet St Andrews Church Centre and thanks to the manyWood, tips and Pike Drive, Chelmsley Kittsfrom Green B33 B37 7US recipes the9SB Weight WatchersSolihull weekly magazine, online content, and the easy-to-use app,Monday I have 9.45am a lot more variety in Tuesday 10:00am my diet nowadays.

e, Castle Vale, Kitts Green Road, more286 wholesome meals,

My advice? Start slowly with small achievable goals and BRINGas THIS VOUCHER TO be YOUR get as much support possible.

Never shyLOCAL if youMEETING want Purchase Monthly Pass inmovements your first Weight Watchers meeting in England, Scotland or Wales before to exercise –26th it’sMarch the small that will boost your 2016 and pay £14.95 for the first month upon presentation of this coupon. Monthly (currently £21.45) will be payable for all subsequent months until you cancel. Fees subject to weight-loss fee journey. change. Coupon cannot be transferred, combined with other offers, exchanged for cash or used with †

YOURMaking the choice to walk into my local meeting was one of T MONTH the most rewarding decisions of my life, and the benefits –

At Work. Activation needs to be completed on our website. Available to individuals 18 years or older.

C1000000175

both big andC1000000175 small – have been abundant.

Ireland.

8

Find your local meeting and join today!

Visit weightwatcherslocal.co.uk or call 0345 677 7788.

Issue 31

07/12/2015 13:17

BEFORE

New Year, New You!

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Join today

A selection of your local SUTTON COLDFIELD / MERE GREEN Mere Green Centre 30A Mere Green Road, Mere Green,

meetings

PYPE HAYES Pype Hayes Golf Club Eachelhurst Road, Birmingham B76 1EP

Minworth Lodge & Social Club

Thursday 7:00pm

Robinsons Way, Minworth B76 9BB

ERDINGTON

Tuesday 6:30pm

Sunday 10:00am

The Conservative Club

CASTLE BROMWICH

SUTTON COLDFIELD /

93 Orphanage Road, Erdington,

Arden Hall

Sutton Coldfield B75 5BP Tuesday 7:00pm Wednesday 7:00pm

NEW OSCOTT Carpenters Arms Community Centre 13a Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UY Wednesday 9:45am Saturday 8:45am, 10:00am

COLESHILL Coleshill Leisure Centre Packington Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 3JE Tuesday 9.30am

SUTTON COLDFIELD / WALMLEY Walmley Library Community Room Walmley Village, Walmley B76 1NP Tuesday 9:45am Wednesday 6:15pm

Birmingham B24 9HU Wednesday 10:00am

*

SUTTON COLDFIELD / MINWORTH

BORDESLEY GREEN St Pauls Centre 405B Belchers Lane, Bordesley Green, Birmingham B9 5SY Tuesday 7:00pm

Water Orton Road, Castle Bromwich, Solihull B36 9PB

KINGSHURST / SOLIHULL Pavilions Sporting Club

ERDINGTON

Thursday 1:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm

Methodist Church Hall

SHARD END

Meriden Drive, Kinghurst, Solihull B37 6BX

Wesley Road, Erdington,

Shard End Wellbeing Centre

Monday 6:30pm

Birmingham B23 6TX Wednesday 6:15pm

STOCKLAND GREEN Stockland Green Methodist Church Slade Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 7JH Thursday 6:30pm

170 Packington Avenue, Birmingham B34 7RD Monday 6:45pm

CHELMSLEY WOOD St. Anne’s Catholic Community Centre 281 Bosworth Drive, Chelmsley Wood B37 5DP

STECHFORD Stechford Cascades Station Road, Stechford, Birmingham B33 8QN Thursday 5:00pm

Tuesday 6:00pm

CHELMSLEY WOOD The Loft at the Bluebell Centre SMBC, West Mall, Chelmsley Wood B37 5TH Friday 9:30am

CASTLE VALE

KITTS GREEN

Castle Vale Residents Club

The Pump

321 Yatesbury Avenue, Castle Vale, Birmingham B35 6QP

286 Kitts Green Road, Kitts Green B33 9SB

Pike Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull B37 7US

Saturday 10:00am

Tuesday 10:00am

Monday 9.45am

£14.95

St Andrews Church Centre

BRING THIS VOUCHER TO YOUR LOCAL MEETING

Join Monthly Pass for just

†

CHELMSLEY WOOD

Purchase Monthly Pass in your first Weight Watchers meeting in England, Scotland or Wales before 26th March 2016 and pay £14.95 for the first month upon presentation of this coupon. Monthly fee (currently £21.45) will be payable for all subsequent months until you cancel. Fees subject to change. Coupon cannot be transferred, combined with other offers, exchanged for cash or used with At Work. Activation needs to be completed on our website. Available to individuals 18 years or older.

†

FOR YOUR FIRST MONTH

C1000000175

C1000000175

*Qualifying period and conditions apply. See website for details. Excludes Northern Ireland.

FOR ALL YOUR LOCAL MEETINGS weightwatcherslocal.co.uk 0345 677 7788

Issue 31 WW12302_119264_Regional Advert Full Page.indd 1

07/12/2015 13:17

9

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

How to safely massage your baby

F

or babies, a massage can be a wonderful time. It can sooth an unsettled baby and make her feel secure It can also ease minor digestive upsets such as wind and it can ease teething pains and congestion on the chest.

Massaging her face can help to clear a blocked nose if she has a cold. There are many baby massage classes in the Midlands area (ask your health visitor for details).

TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds.

Find out more and start your child’s journey today stagecoach.co.uk/ edgbaston 01926 651159 edgbaston @stagecoach.co.uk

If massaging your baby at home...

First, create a relaxed atmosphere before you begin to massage your baby.

Make sure there are no distractions to spoil the mood or upset your baby.

Ensure the room is warm and maybe play some relaxing music at a low volume.

Have everything you need to hand. This includes massage or vegetable oil or baby moisturiser (you may choose not to use any lubricant), a towel to mop up any accidents, a fresh nappy and clothes for afterwards. If you do use oil, make sure that it doesn’t contain nuts, that it isn’t petroleum based or very heavily scented, dab a little on your baby’s skin to start with, just in case she has a reaction.

Place your baby on a warm towel or sheepskin, or you can place her on your lap. Your baby can be completely naked, with just a nappy on, or you might prefer to keep her vest on.

Giving a massage

DANCE & DRAMA CENTRAL STAGE SCHOOL Tap Street Jazz Musical Theatre Solihull: Adult & Children’s Classes Tel: Claire 07939 529 227 info@centralstageschool.co.uk www.centralstageschool.co.uk

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk

Irish dancing classes for boys and girls aged 4 to adult Classes held in Selly Oak, Kings Norton and Redditch Call Louise on 07790 876 345 for information

www.granarince.co.uk

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Make eye contact with your baby while you massage and talk or sing to her gently. If she seems to be uncomfortable or starts crying, stop and give her a cuddle.

• Begin by applying some oil onto your hands.

Rub together to warm them up.

• Starting with the legs, gently rub your baby’s skin. Work from her thighs down to her knees, then stroke down the shins and move around to her calves and ankles.

• Rub your baby’s ankles and feet, stroking from the heel to the toe and then concentrate on each toe individually MUSIC • Gently stroke down your baby’s chest, 1-to-1 drum tuition, following the curves of her ribs. Place your City Centre location hands flat on top of her stomach then spread B I R M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8. them to the sides, as if flattening the pages of Ages 4 upwards. a book. Once you have massaged your baby’s Tel: 0121 503 5849 front, turn her over and work on her back. www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk • Stroke down her arms to her fingertips.

• Gently massage your baby from her ears to her shoulders, and from her chin to her chest.

SWIMMING TUITION • Lightly massage the crown of your baby’s head using a circular motion, then stroke Swimming lessons down the sides of her face. Gently massage her from 3.5 years to adults. forehead, working from the centre out.

Clubs & Classes

DIRECTORY

Lessons held in Solihull, Olton, Shirley & Acocks Green.

Learn the 4 strokes for all swimmers using fun themes!

Tel: 0121 405 0550 www.makeasplash.co.uk

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.co.uk

Solihull Young Dancers

Ballet, Tap & Modern Dancing Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

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Issue 21

Promote your little one’s natural reflexes and teach them to swim. Babies from 6 weeks & older can join the fun!

Tel: 0121 405 0440 www.waterhugs.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 07807 352087

Baby massage classes in the area: IN BIRMINGHAM: Baby Massage Class - call Julia Richardson on 07711 697877 Baby Massage in the Holistic Health Centre, - call Lisa Burfitt on 07539 062031 IN SOLIHULL: My Baby Time Massage class, Shirley, Solihull - call Sarah Williams on 0121 680 6552 / 07946 283725. Or ask your health visitor for advice.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel.

Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Dance

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Dancing Feet…

By Sally J. Hall

H

ow can you find out what kind of dance is best for your child, whether they are a boy or a girl? Read on to find their perfect dance class…

Tiny dancer When your child is very young – say, under five – shuffling around on tip toe while wafting their hands or pretending to be a tiger is about as much as you can ask for. Look for a class that teaches very young children together, not mixed in with older age groups when they will probably be ignored or will be disruptive. A class where there’s an emphasis on having fun and doing different dancing games each time will keep them keen and entertained – and going back each week. Expect to have to stay for these classes and possibly join in, too.

Try the non-profit making dance school Dizzy Dancers, based in Highgate, Birmingham. You can take your child from the age of 2 to see if they like it.

The classes help to enhance your child’s coordination and sense of rhythm in a fun and relaxed session. They cater for boys as well as girls and include lots of different influences including ballet, tap, gymnastic dance and freestyle.

Similarly, Dubarrie School of Dance and Solihull Young Dancers offer ballet, tap, jazz and more. Go to their websites for details (see pages 10 and 11). Stagecoach Edgbaston, Central Stage School and Masquerade Musical Theatre (see page 10) offer dance, acting and singing as a part of their performing arts syllabus. Contact them to find out more.

Starting to get more serious If your child makes it past the age of five and still wants to go to class, it may be time to start enquiring with their dance teacher about them taking grades. The choice for ballet is the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus (see Rutleigh Norris Ballet School on page 1), or for modern dance the Imperial Society Modern Theatre & Tap Dance (istd.org ) course. If they are still keen but aren’t motivated by grades, find a class that keeps their attention and won’t get boring. Street and jazz dance are great for this as they will learn new routines all the time.

Other dance styles Bollywood Dreams is the largest Bollywood Dance School in the West Midlands. Their classes draw on classical Indian dance styles, as well as Street and Hip Hop. Fused together they create Bollywood magic!

The academy takes on students from 4 years to adult – whatever your level, there is a class to suit you. You can go along to dance for recreation or for more formal tuition. To find out more call 0845 226 8210.

The Gra na Rince School of Irish Dancing is based in South Birmingham.

They welcome dancers of all ages and abilities from beginner to champion level. Find out more about their classes by visiting granarince.co.uk

What’s available?

If you’re not sure what all these styles entail, it’s best to take your child along to have a look or try a taster session. Why not investigate the dance classes offered in this issue, and give them a call. You never know, your child might not be the only one enjoying the challenge of learning a new skill…

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Dizzyrs Dance Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

0773 4651192

The largest Bollywood Academy in the West Midlands

Fun Bollywood Dance Classes all ages and abilities learn how to dance like your favourite Bollywood film stars!

Join today!

Enrol now courses in your area

Classes in the following areas: Solihull, Kings Heath, Hall Green, Great Barr, Moseley, Sutton Coldfield & Wolverhampton.

For full details and timetable visit

www.bollywooddreamsdance.com t: 0845 226 8210 e: info@bollywooddreamsdance.com

www.dizzydancers.org Issue 31

11

Careers

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Looking for a high quality part-time career?

L

ike many great ideas, the concept for Capability Jane Recruitment was born out of personal experience and sheer determination.

In her early thirties, Sara Hill found herself looking to return to work after taking a 2 year break to have her two children.

She set about looking for a challenging role with flexibility so she could spend time with her young family.

A dream career

With “Big 4”management consulting experience and time spent working in start-up business development roles in the UK and US Sara found herself in high demand with recruiters. At least that was until she mentioned that she wanted to work part-time. At this point the shutters went down and the head-hunter calls stopped.

• Looking for an extra income?

• Looking for a full-time income?

• Flexibility around your children?

My name is Carolyn. 10 years ago I was made redundant from an office manager role. I had two young boys and really struggled with that work/life balance.

Eventually, after what she describes as a “roller coaster of a journey”, Sara found the perfect role through her own network: a challenging part-time consulting role with a boutique strategy consultancy. Sara recognised that she was extremely fortunate, she had seen other extremely talented women go on the same journey and fall at the first hurdle.

Although extremely happy with her new job, the seed of an idea had been sown. On top of Sara’s personal experience, there was compelling research to show that 60% of highly qualified women and men wanted to work part time so they could remain in or progress in their careers. A lack of genuinely flexible senior opportunities combined with a national skills shortage combined to drive the creation of Capability Jane as a recruitment company focussing on part time and flexible working roles.

8 years on Capability Jane Recruitment is leading the marketplace for high quality part-time careers and in turn helping to increase the number of talented women in influential roles in business. Contact us online. Go to capabilityjane.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Then, a friend introduced me to a business opportunity and it was the best decision I ever made! I now work under the umbrella of a global company which holds the gold standard ‘Investors in People’ and the support is amazing.

I have built a successful business which has also allowed my husband to give up his career and join me – our boys are loving it!

Recruitment

Awards 2015

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Best for Part-Time Executive Recruitment Solutions - UK

My passion is helping other parents who feel they can’t earn an incredible income from home around their children.

If you have the desire to change things, I will give you all the help and support you need to do it!

Just ring me for a chat 07789 916278

Getting into the Pony Party Business My name is Karen Glynn, and I am the MD of Lollipop Party Ponies. We are a family run company including 3 personnel. We have cared for and owned horses for over 15 years. Previously, I worked in Customer Relations, but then decided to turn my passion into my business 9 months ago - and have not looked back since! I do this job, because I am a firm believer that horses and ponies can bring joy and happiness to a child, especially on their birthday! We have developed the business to include themed pony parties, such as princesses or cowboys (the children are delighted to see the ponies like to dress up too!).

Seeing the happiness my ponies bring to children makes my job so worthwhile. We can even do indoor pony parties - which is just as well with the unreliable British weather. It gives us at Lollipop Party Ponies huge pride to say we can provide an experience your child will remember for a lifetime.

To anyone thinking of turning their passion into a business my advice would be keep it simple and be prepared to work hard and be positive.

See what we offer at lollipopponyparties.co.uk

12

Issue 31

Careers

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Kimichi School – a school with MUSIC at its heart

Sally Alexander has big musical dreams for the next generation.

S

ally is the headteacher, and founder, of Kimichi School - an independent school in Acocks Green, Birmingham where a broad, balanced and holistic curriculum is taught through… music.

“My mother and father loved music,” explains Sally. “I grew up going to see orchestras, ballets and operas, and started playing the cello and the piano when I was about seven.”

In her 10 years of teaching music in the Caribbean Sally witnessed the powerful impact musical skills can have upon learning. So, when she returned to Birmingham she wanted to use her experience to start something new and exciting for the city. Instead of teaching music to classes of 30 in mainstream education, her career took an unexpected turn.

She founded Kimichi School.

Sally has huge ambitions for the future of Kimichi. Her aim is to drive it forward to become a global school.

Find out more. Visit www.kimichischool.co.uk. Open day coming up on Saturday 16th January, 11 – 1pm.

1,500 Capability Jane is on a mission to create the marketplace for quality part-time roles

Keen to move to a part-time, seniorlevel role?

Our team helps organisations to source talented individuals on a part-time basis and access a more diverse pool of candidates

To hear about PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES Please view our website: capabilityjane.com

and register your details. We’d love to hear from you.

If a rewarding job with true security that provides you with the work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing – contact Carolyn Rose today.

You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments and there is no financial investment.

Find out how Carolyn’s children can always be her priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life.

Contact Carolyn for a FREE information pack on

07789 916278 or email: carolynrose121@gmail.com Forever Living Products are a very proud & ethical company who pride ourselves on good practice.

It is illegal for a promoter or a participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to make a payment by promising benefits from getting others to join a scheme.Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved.

Issue 31

13

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Where Individuals Matter

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OPEN MORNING

)*() 4$)00- GPS (*3-4

Thursday 28th January 2016 9am - 12noon

Wednesday 3rd February - Year 3 Entry for September 2016

• Small Class sizes • A friendly caring environment • Children reach their full potential • Outstanding Ofsted since 2007 St James Place, Shirley, Solihull B90 2BA

Kingswood School 0121 744 7883

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Like us on Facebook Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield Follow us on Twitter @familiesbirm

“Education with MUSIC at its heart� “Achievement is outstanding in English, history and music because teachers have excellent ways of inspiring students to learn in these subjects�

OFSTED, June 2015: GOOD in all categories

www.kimichischool.co.uk 0121 679 5298

@Eastbourne House Acocks Green B27 6LL

(close to bus and train routes)

The Kimichi School difference: We offer a broad and balanced curriculum - with a strong musical focus Small classes (max 15 students) means personalised learning Competitively priced fees Music specialism for fun, development beneďŹ ts or career

14 

Issue 31

OPEN DAY

Saturday 16th January 11am-1pm

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

There’s more to school than lessons E

ducation is about much more than what goes on in classrooms. Most schools offer a range of extra-curricular activities bringing fun, education, sociability and a boost to confidence. How can your child capitalise on these opportunities?

Choosing activities

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Follow his or her lead when deciding on classes. That said, it’s ok to point them towards something they might benefit from, such as drama for a shy child. Just don’t force a square peg into a round hole - taking up an activity they really don’t like, in the hope it’ll grow on them, can be counter-productive.

Encourage persistence

Consider a rule that your child has to see the term you paid for out before they can give up a class they previously wanted to do – they might well change their mind back about quitting after a few more weeks!

Relaxation time is vital

If your child is struggling: particularly if he or she finds their class work difficult, it might be worth putting additional effort into building skills at home or with a tutor. Talk to their teacher about what help they need to focus on. Perhaps they can suggest fun but educational games, or workbooks. For tutors see Solihull Tuition on this page, Explore Learning (page 2), Key Stage Online (page 3), Kip McGrath (back page), and Tuition Plus (front cover).

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Watch out for overscheduling – quiet contemplation, scope to be creative and relax is just as important as that second musical instrument or third sport.

Taking things to the next level: if your child is coping well with all that school throws at them and they’ve found their passion – be it gymnastics or music – you could contact local clubs and associations to see how they can take their talent to the next level, KING SOLOMON with matches/ performances or extra training.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL

Educat

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books Education Excellence & Character Development including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ st and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both Birmingham’s 1 Children: Christian-based published by Summersdale) and Raising The Primary Years (Pearson).

Birm

Free School

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KING SOLOMON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL KING SOLOMON

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PROFESSIONAL TUITION TO UNLOCK YOUR CHILD'S FULL POTENTIAL AT 11+ ŽŽŬ Ă ŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ϭϭн ĚƵĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ƚŽĚĂLJ ƚŽ ŝĚĞŶƟĨLJ ǁŚĂƚ LJŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚ͛Ɛ ďĂƐĞůŝŶĞ ůĞǀĞůƐ ĂƌĞ ŝŶ DĂƚŚƐ͕ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ĂŶĚ ZĞĂƐŽŶŝŶŐ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ĞŶƌŽůůŝŶŐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ϭϭн ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ DŝĚůĂŶĚƐ͘ ŽƵƌƐĞ tŽƌŬŬƐ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ĐůĂƐƐƌŽŽŵ ƚĞƐƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶƚ ƉĂƐƐ ƌĂƚĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŽǀĞƌ ϭϱ LJĞĂƌƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƵƌ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ŝŶĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞƐ ƐŵĂůů ŐƌŽƵƉ ĐůĂƐƐƌŽŽŵ ƚĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ͕ ŽŋŝŶĞ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ͕ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ǀŝĚĞŽƐ ƚŽ ŵĂdžŝŵŝƐĞ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů ƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů ŽĨ ĂŶLJ ĐŚŝůĚ ƉĂƐƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ϭϭн ĞdžĂŵ͘ zĞĂƌ ϯ ĞŐŝŶŶĞƌ͕ zĞĂƌ ϰ /ŶƚĞƌŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ zĞĂƌ ϱ ĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ŚĂǀĞ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ WůĂĐĞƐ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ;ϭ͗ϲ WƵƉŝů ͗ dƵƚŽƌ ZĂƟŽͿ͘

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BOOK AN ASSESSMENT TODAY.

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0121 - 705 - 6719

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Secondary

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<ŝŶŐ ^ŽůŽŵŽŶ ŝƐ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͛Ɛ Įƌ <ŝŶŐ ^ŽůŽŵŽŶ ŝƐ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͛Ɛ ĮƌƐƚ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ͕ ĂůůͲƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ;ϰͲϭϵͿ͕ / tŽƌůĚ ĨƌĞĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů͘ KƵƌ ƐĐŚŽŽů ǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŝƐ ƚŽ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ͕ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ƐƚƵĚ ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ͕ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžĞŵƉůĂƌLJ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ͕ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ůŝǀĞ͕ ǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚ ƐƵĐĐĞĞĚƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ĐĞŶƚƌĂůůLJ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ŶĞĂƌ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ Ɖƌ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ &ƌƵŝƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ^Ɖŝƌŝƚ͘ dŚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǀŝƌƚƵĞƐ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĂƌĞ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƚƌĂͲĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůĂƌ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŵŽƌĂů ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐ ĨŽƌ ůŝĨĞ͘ Secondary Primary Secondary Secondary Primary Secondary <ŝŶŐ ^ŽůŽŵŽŶ ŝƐ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͛Ɛ ĮƌƐƚ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ͕ ĂůůͲƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ;ϰͲϭϵͿ͕ / tŽƌůĚ ĨƌĞĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů͘ KƵƌ ƐĐŚŽŽů ǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŝƐ ƚŽ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ Secondary Primary Secondary ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ͕ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžĞŵƉůĂƌLJ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ͕ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ůŝǀĞ͕ ǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚĞ ŝŶ <ŝŶŐ ^ŽůŽŵŽŶ ŝƐ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͛Ɛ ĮƌƐƚ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ͕ ĂůůͲƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ;ϰͲϭϵͿ͕ / tŽƌůĚ ĨƌĞĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů͘ KƵƌ ƐĐŚŽŽů ǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŝƐ ƚŽ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ

King Sol

King Solomon International Business School

› /Ɛ ĐŽŵŵŝƩĞĚ ƚŽ ŚŝŐŚ ĂƩĂŝŶŵ OPEN DAY - Tuesday 12/1/16› ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƚĞƌƉƌŝƐĞ at 9.30am, 11am and 2pm › /Ɛ ĐŽŵŵŝƩĞĚ ƚŽ ŚŝŐŚ ĂƩĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚ ƐƵĐĐĞĞĚƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ĐĞŶƚƌĂůůLJ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ŶĞĂƌ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ͕ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžĞŵƉůĂƌLJ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ͕ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ůŝǀĞ͕ ǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚĞ ŝŶ <ŝŶŐ ^ŽůŽŵŽŶ ŝƐ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͛Ɛ ĮƌƐƚ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ͕ ĂůůͲƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ;ϰͲϭϵͿ͕ / tŽƌůĚ ĨƌĞĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů͘ KƵƌ ƐĐŚŽŽů ǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŝƐ ƚŽ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ &ƌƵŝƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ^Ɖŝƌŝƚ͘ dŚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǀŝƌƚƵĞƐ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚ ƐƵĐĐĞĞĚƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ĐĞŶƚƌĂůůLJ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ŶĞĂƌ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĐŚŝůĚ for September 2016 ĨŽĐƵƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ Reception Intake ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĐŚŝůĚ ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ͕ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžĞŵƉůĂƌLJ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ͕ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ůŝǀĞ͕ ǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚĞ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƚƌĂͲĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůĂƌ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŵŽƌĂů ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐ ĨŽƌ ůŝĨĞ͘ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ &ƌƵŝƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ^Ɖŝƌŝƚ͘ dŚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǀŝƌƚƵĞƐ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚ ƐƵĐĐĞĞĚƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ĐĞŶƚƌĂůůLJ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ŶĞĂƌ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ › ,ĂƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ › ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ƐĐŚŽŽů ĚĂLJ › ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ƐĐŚŽŽů ĚĂLJ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƚƌĂͲĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůĂƌ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŵŽƌĂů ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐ ĨŽƌ ůŝĨĞ͘ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ &ƌƵŝƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ^Ɖŝƌŝƚ͘ dŚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǀŝƌƚƵĞƐ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĂƌĞ King Solomon International Business School› ,ĂƐ ŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƉĂƐƚŽƌĂů ĐĂ › ,ĂƐ Ă ŐƌĂŵŵĂƌ ƐƚƌĞĂŵ ĨŽƌ ŚŝŐŚůLJ › ,ĂƐ ŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƉĂƐƚŽƌĂů ĐĂƌĞ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƚƌĂͲĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůĂƌ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŵŽƌĂů ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐ ĨŽƌ ůŝĨĞ͘ King Solomon International Business School› /Ɛ ĨƌĞĞ ƚŽ ĂƩĞŶĚ͗ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ Ŷ › ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƚĞƌƉƌŝƐĞ › /Ɛ ĐŽŵŵŝƩĞĚ ƚŽ ŚŝŐŚ ĂƩĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĂƟŽŶƐ › /Ɛ ĨƌĞĞ ƚŽ ĂƩĞŶĚ͗ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ŶŽ ĨĞĞƐ King Solomon International Business School › ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƚĞƌƉƌŝƐĞ ĨŽĐƵƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ › /Ɛ ĐŽŵŵŝƩĞĚ ƚŽ ŚŝŐŚ ĂƩĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĂƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĐŚŝůĚ › /Ɛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŽŽĚĂƌĚ ĨĂŵŝ › ,ĂƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ ĂƚĞƌŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ϭ͕ϬϱϬ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ Ăƚ ĨƵůů ĐĂƉĂĐŝƚLJ › /Ɛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŽŽĚĂƌĚ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŽĨ ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ƐĐŚŽŽů ĚĂLJ › ĨŽĐƵƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƚĞƌƉƌŝƐĞ › ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĐŚŝůĚ /Ɛ ĐŽŵŵŝƩĞĚ ƚŽ ŚŝŐŚ ĂƩĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĂƟŽŶƐ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ,ĂƐ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ,ĂƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ ›› ,ĂƐ Ă ŐƌĂŵŵĂƌ ƐƚƌĞĂŵ ĨŽƌ ŚŝŐŚůLJ ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ƐĐŚŽŽů ĚĂLJ › ,ĂƐ ŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƉĂƐƚŽƌĂů ĐĂƌĞ ĨŽĐƵƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĐŚŝůĚ ›› ,ĂƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ ,ĂƐ Ă ŐƌĂŵŵĂƌ ƐƚƌĞĂŵ ĨŽƌ ŚŝŐŚůLJ ,ĂƐ ŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƉĂƐƚŽƌĂů ĐĂƌĞ › /Ɛ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ Ž /Ɛ ĨƌĞĞ ƚŽ ĂƩĞŶĚ͗ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ŶŽ ĨĞĞƐ KīĞƌƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ĂĐĐĂůĂƵƌĞĂƚĞ › ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ›› ,ĂƐ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ƐĐŚŽŽů ĚĂLJ › /Ɛ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĨĂŝƚŚ ĂƚĞƌŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ϭ͕ϬϱϬ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ Ăƚ ĨƵůů ĐĂƉĂĐŝƚLJ /Ɛ ĨƌĞĞ ƚŽ ĂƩĞŶĚ͗ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ŶŽ ĨĞĞƐ /Ɛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŽŽĚĂƌĚ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŽĨ › ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ,ĂƐ Ă ŐƌĂŵŵĂƌ ƐƚƌĞĂŵ ĨŽƌ ŚŝŐŚůLJ ›› ,ĂƐ ŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƉĂƐƚŽƌĂů ĐĂƌĞ Žƌ ĚĞŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ŝdžƚŚ &Žƌŵ Žƌ ĚĞŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ĂƚĞƌŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ϭ͕ϬϱϬ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ Ăƚ ĨƵůů ĐĂƉĂĐŝƚLJ › ,ĂƐ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ › /Ɛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŽŽĚĂƌĚ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŽĨ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ › /Ɛ ĨƌĞĞ ƚŽ ĂƩĞŶĚ͗ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ŶŽ ĨĞĞƐ /Ɛ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĨĂŝƚŚ › ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ /Ɛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŽŽĚĂƌĚ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŽĨ

ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ,ĂƐ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ KīĞƌƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ĂĐĐĂůĂƵƌĞĂƚĞ ›› ĂƚĞƌŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ϭ͕ϬϱϬ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ Ăƚ ĨƵůů ĐĂƉĂĐŝƚLJ

› ,ĂƐ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ KīĞƌƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ĂĐĐĂůĂƵƌĞĂƚĞ › /Ɛ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĨĂŝƚŚ Žƌ ĚĞŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ › ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ŝdžƚŚ &Žƌŵ It’s not too la ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ It’s not too late, APPLY TODAY for 2016 Admissions › ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ŝdžƚŚ &Žƌŵ KīĞƌƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ĂĐĐĂůĂƵƌĞĂƚĞ › Žƌ ĚĞŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ /Ɛ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĨĂŝƚŚ › KīĞƌƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ĂĐĐĂůĂƵƌĞĂƚĞ › /Ɛ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĨĂŝƚŚ zĞĂƌ ϳ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ ĂŶĚ ZĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ŝdžƚŚ &Žƌŵ Žƌ ĚĞŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ It’s not toodŽ ĂƉƉůLJ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ĨŽƌ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϲ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗ late, APPLY TODAY for 2016 Admissions zĞĂƌ ϳ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ ĂŶĚ ZĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ It’s not too late, APPLY TODAY for 2016 Admissions ǁǁǁ͘ďŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͘ŐŽǀ͘ƵŬͬƐĐŚŽŽůĂĚŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ dŽ ĂƉƉůLJ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ĨŽƌ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϲ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗ zĞĂƌ ϳ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ ĂŶĚ ZĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ It’s not too late, APPLY TODAY for 2016 Admissions ǁǁǁ͘ďŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͘ŐŽǀ͘ƵŬͬƐĐŚŽŽůĂĚŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ dŽ ĂƉƉůLJ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ĨŽƌ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϲ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗ zĞĂƌ ϳ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ ĂŶĚ ZĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ LJĞĂƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ ǁǁǁ͘ďŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͘ŐŽǀ͘ƵŬͬƐĐŚŽŽůĂĚŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ dŽ ĂƉƉůLJ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ĨŽƌ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϲ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗ King Solomon International Business School ǁǁǁ͘ďŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ͘ŐŽǀ͘ƵŬͬƐĐŚŽŽůĂĚŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ King Solomon International Business School King Solomon International Business School Lord Street, Aston, B7 4AA Lord Street, Aston, Birmingham Birmingham B7 4AA Lord Street,International Aston, Birmingham 4AA t: 0121 357King 1905 e: admin@kingsolomonibs.com w:B7 kingsolomonibs.com Solomon Business School t: 0121 357 1905 e: admin@kingsolomonibs.com w: kingsolomonibs.com t: 0121 357 1905 e:us: admin@kingsolomonibs.com Like www.facebook.com/kingsolomonIBSchool Lord Street, Aston, Birminghamw:B7kingsolomonibs.com 4AA Like us: www.facebook.com/kingsolomonIBSchool

Ki

t: 0121 357 1

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Issue 31

15

Books

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

An ideal way to inspire your little one’s love of reading!

T

he perfect way to spend a cold, wet winter’s day is immersed in a book. Even better, go to the family friendly relaxed setting of the newly transformed Waterstones Bookshop in Birmingham.

The large third floor of Waterstones is entirely devoted to an unrivalled range of children’s books. Here you will find child-centred events (suitable for age 0 - 5’s) such as parent and toddler story time sessions. There is free access to toys, colouring, a fish tank, a crafting table and even a slide! In the family friendly café children can enjoy a free babyccino or have fun decorating their own cakes.

Your only problem will be how to get your little ones to leave…

Log on to waterstones.com to find out more about free and ticketed children’s events coming up in 2016.

Waterstones, 24/26 High Street, Birmingham, B4 7SL, Tel 0121 6334353

Best New Releases Baby & Toddler

Five Minutes’ Peace

by Jill Murphy Walker RRP £5.99 Published in board book form to celebrate thirty years of this iconic childrens tale, about Mrs. Large’s vain attempts to get a five minute breather. It works because it is such a familiar scenario to both parent and toddler. I don’t ever remember having a bath without a little voice from the other side of the door asking what I was doing.

Three to Five years

Issue 21

Nine Years Plus

The Imaginary

by A.F Harrold Bloomsbury RRP £7.99 For those readers who adore a bit of Dahl comes the story of Rudger, Amanda’s best friend - who just happens to be imaginary.

But the scary Mr. Bunting is out to catch Rudger, so perhaps he exists after all. Great accompanying images by the prolific Emily Gravett (who most recently produced Meerkat Mail for the much younger age range).

Is There a Dog in This Book?

by Viviane Schwarz Walker RRP £6.99 The author’s style is deft and witty and preschoolers will chuckle each time they see what each flap reveals (especially when they lift the lid on the pop-up piano). The three cats aren’t laughing though. Nervous that they might just find something unexpectedly canine, they have many near misses.

12 To Teen

Six to Eight years

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.

Harry Miller’s Run

by David Almond & Salvatore Rubbino Walker RRP £9.99 A story from the North by the acclaimed author of Skellig, illustrated by the chap who is famous for his city walk picture books. There’s no danger of any walking here though, because Harry has a race to run.

16

By Justine Crow

The Light That Gets Lost

by Natasha Carthew Bloomsbury RRP £12.99 Sticking with a supernatural theme, we are entering dreamy Patrick Ness territory here, with a surreal landscape inhabited by troubled teens in a compelling tale of revenge and friendship. Dark it may, be but illumination is within reach.

Parties

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Birthday Party Pizazz

How to make your parties age-appropriate

I

t’s difficult to know how to keep kids entertained at parties especially as they get older. At what age do face paints and musical statues no longer cut it? For which age group would you book an entertainer? And when do you move from a party to an outing?

Pre-school

Keep it simple. Think dressing up, treasure hunt, face paints and games and have the party at home. Lay out sandwiches and savoury eats first, keeping sweet treats for after. Buy the cake and give a book instead of a party bag. Put presents to one side and open them afterwards.

4-7 Years

An entertainer comes into their own with this age group. Why not ask a friend or relative to take on the task and plan out some games and activities beforehand Pass the parcel remains a firm favourite for this age group but other games such as pin the tail on the donkey and a Piñata will also be a hit.

8-11 Years

Book a hall, go to a sports centre or cinema, learn a skill at a restaurant or have it at home (depending on your numbers and bravado). Games include the Chocolate Game (roll a six, dress up, eat the chocolate with a knife and fork), Chubby Bunnies (stuff – but don’t eat - marshmallows in turn, saying chubby bunnies each time) and The Flour Game (cut shards off the flour cake until the

By Sally J Hall

coin balanced on top falls. The person responsible retrieves it using only their mouth). Feed them pizza and let them make their own ice cream sundae.

Teen

As always with teenagers, it is all about communication – ha!

Sometimes this is easier said than done. Some will want to do what all their friends are doing, while others would they like to do something entirely different. Activities outdoors such as paint balling or Go Ape, the cinema, bowling and theatre can offer this.

Emma Oliver is a journalist who has worked for various magazines and websites, mainly covering travel and parenting. She is also a mum to two young girls.

When she’s not off gadding she can be found bloggingWritingLifeAsItIs. blogspot.co.uk

“Lollipop Pony Parties in Birmingham will offer your children a wonderful outdoor or indoor pony party experience.”

Mobile: 07429 290587

www.lollipopponyparties.co.uk Issue 31

17

Holidays

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

By Sally J Hall

It Takes Two…Families

Should you share a holiday with another family?

I

t’s the New Year, and for many of us, our thoughts start to drift towards planning the next dose of summer sun abroad with our families. But, should you share a holiday with another family?

It seems like a great idea when you and a friend are sharing a coffee, daydreaming about your next spell of summer sun and it turns out you both want to hire a cottage in Cornwall or a Villa in Tuscany. So you decide that it might be fun to go away with both your families and share the cost of the holiday. So we’ve come up with some tips to make this a holiday to remember – not a nightmare.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing…

The first thing to consider is how well you know the other family.

Whilst it might seem that you have lots in common with another person when you first meet them, you may find that actually, the things you enjoy are superficial and there are areas of their life you find difficult to cope with. Have you been to each others’ houses?

If you’re a neat freak and they are the kind to ignore mould on the milk bottle – or the other way around – you’re probably not going to get along with each others’ standards of housekeeping. Do you know what their politics are? This can be very divisive if you find each others’ opinions difficult to swallow. And do your children get along? It would be terrible if all they do is argue while you’re away and you’ll end up taking sides and possibly falling out with the other parents.

All good friends

Another very important thing is that your partners need to get on.

And you need to get on as a foursome too, especially if it comes down to a dispute when the children are falling out or want to do different things. You’ll all, as grown-ups, need to be united and not cause more difficulties when deciding how to arrange your time.

So decide to spend some time together in the run-up to the holiday – perhaps a whole day on a Saturday or a Sunday - and have the children on a sleep-over at each others’ houses to iron out problems before you go.

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Issue 31

Set the rules

Before embarking on the trip, decide on some ground rules. You will need to set a budget and decide how you are going to share the price of the house but you will also have to decide on how to share costs once you are away. If you are self catering, it’s best to share everything equally (easy if your families are the same size, otherwise work it out proportionately). If one person wants something more expensive, however, that only they will use or eat – for example some special wine or food – suggest that they pay for that themselves. Talk this all through before you go, as the last thing you want is an argument at the supermarket check-out!

Doing the housework

The chores will also have to be shared equally, so that nobody has to do all the cooking or all the washing up. It’s probably best if you decide to take it in turns and perhaps eat out a couple of times during the holiday so that you all get a break.

Us-time

As there are other grown-ups with you, this would be an ideal opportunity to have some time alone with your partner. Suggest that you take it in turns to look after all the children, for an afternoon or an evening, so that each couple can have some personal space.

A room of one’s own

Speaking of space, when choosing a holiday house, make sure there is enough room for you all to have some personal space. Even the best of friends can end up getting on each others’ nerves at times, so if there is room for you all to find a corner, either in your bedroom or a living room, tensions should be averted. Letting the kids all sleep in the same room may backfire too, as they will be so excited that they may not get to sleep before the small hours.

So while there may be some things to consider before you embark on a holiday with friends, there are many advantages. You can afford somewhere much nicer than you might otherwise have done, you can share chores and babysitting and you can forge lifelong friendships between both the adults and the children.

With a little forethought, this will truly be a holiday to remember!

Half Term

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Half term activity camps N

ow the children have just gone back to school after the Christmas holidays are you already thinking ahead to the next break - February half term? How will you keep them entertained while you go to work?

Look no further!

Families is bringing you two solutions…

Just Camps is Ofsted registered holiday childcare.

Each day is themed, with different events running every day, from the ‘Meet & Greet’ Team Day, Great Britain Day, to their International Olympics Tournament where team points can be earned with country facts, flags, uniform and face-paints (optional).

Just Camps aims to make every day fun, exciting and full of action.

The camps are always wrapped up by inviting parents to pick up 30 minutes early to participate in a ‘Kids versus Parents’ event and food party! Watch out parents/carers! This is your child’s chance to put their newly learned skills to the test against you! justcamps.co.uk, 07716 926 147, mattholdback@justcamps.co.uk

Aspire Active Camps provide sports and activity childcare

during every school holiday at venues throughout the Midlands.

Their school holiday activities are Ofsted registered and offer you and your child a safe, fun, flexible and affordable childcare solution.

Aspire Active Camps pride themselves on the fact children in their care are having fun and learning new skills, whilst being protected at all times.

Aspire’s vision is simple – to contribute towards creating a nation which is active for life. aspire-sports.co.uk, 0121 663 1979, info@aspire-sports.co.uk Both holiday camps are open throughout February half term.

They offer flexible days and wrap around care. Childcare vouchers accepted at both. Call or click online to find out more.

Ofsted registered

Action-packed childcare this

February Half Term Lots of activities and sports on offer at a choice of venues!

Tudor Grange Academy

5FOR £75 DAYS

Solihull B91 3PD

15th - 19th February Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Sutton Coldfield B74 2NH

15th - 19th February

Open from 8am - 6pm We accept childcare vouchers *Valid for full week 10am - 4pm bookings only. Offer ends 5pm Friday 29th January 2016. Xtra time packages available if required.

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 Issue 31

19

Family Law

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

SUPREME COURT STRIKES RIGHT BALANCE ON DIVORCE D

isgruntled ex-partners looking to have their divorce settlements revisited have been given a clear message by the Supreme Court – first check your facts!

Rather than opening the matrimonial finance floodgates of partners rushing to take their former spouses back to court, the hotly anticipated judgment in the cases of Sharland v Sharland and Gohil v Gohil has been seen to strike just the right balance between legitimate claim and bitter ex.

Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil were both permitted by the courts to re-visit their original divorce settlements on the grounds of fraud. The women claimed they had been deliberately duped by their former husbands’ non-disclosure into accepting a substantially lower pay-off than they were entitled to.

Family barrister at No5 Chambers Juliet Allen said: “A difficulty for the Supreme Court in deciding these appeals was that the balance to be struck was likely

in part to be policy-driven: the need on the one hand to send a strong message to those who would use dishonesty and non-disclosure as a means of influencing the outcome of matrimonial proceedings in their favour, and on the other hand, the need to avoid an open invitation to apply to set aside consent orders on the basis of the most flimsy issue of non-disclosure.”

“Whilst each of the decisions handed down was determined in the context of its own technical point of law, the Supreme Court’s approach to these issues appears to strike the right balance between these two competing policy aims.”

“This comes as welcome news for many matrimonial finance lawyers, for whom the Court of Appeal decisions in both Sharland and Gohil had struck a wrong note. The outcomes just seemed, somehow, unfair, notwithstanding the apparently well-reasoned, technical, decisions of the Court of Appeal in each matter.”

“It is likely that Sharland and Gohil will join the lexicon of the most cited authorities in matrimonial finance law.

As lawyers we must guard against over-zealous applications to set aside on the basis of minor issues of non-disclosure, particularly where the cost of the litigation is likely to be disproportionate in the context of the non-disclosed assets. But at the same time, these two decisions are to be welcomed as they take the law in this most discretionary of areas in the right direction: towards clarity and fairness.”

This article was written by No5 Chambers’ Family Barrister Juliet Allen.

If you need help with a divorce or any aspects of family law, please visit www.novatedls.com. Where appropriate, an initial 30 minute conference with a barrister will be provided free of charge.

If your case requires a solicitor, NoVate can recommend a legal expert to suit your budget.

FAMILY LAW

WHEN YOU HAVE A FAMILY LAW ISSUE YOU CAN TRUST NOVATE

NoVate Direct Legal Solutions; Direct access to legal experts.

If you need any help finding advice for a family law issue, we can help.

Managed by friendly staff with decades of legal services experience we can refer you to a specialist legal team to suit your budget.

Our barristers will provide a free 30 minute conference where appropriate free of charge.

T: 0845 201 0160 E: info@novatedls.com www.novatedls.com

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Issue 31

What’s On Theatre

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Theatre Entertainment There is theatrical entertainment for everyone in the family to enjoy throughout January and February. With such a marvellous choice available these tickets will be snapped up quickly. If you want the best seats start booking soon!

Wi-Fi Wars

A live, interactive comedy show. Use your smartphone to answer questions and win!

Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date & time: Sat 16 Jan 2016, 2.30 (Age 7+) & 8pm (Age 12+) Tickets: £12 (£8) macbirmingham.co.uk

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB Date & time: Tue 9 - Sat 13 Feb, Tickets: From £18.50 upwards birminghamhippodrome.com

Ali Baba & The Four Tea Thieves

Presented by Harlequinade. Come and join in the silliness of this panto-like show featuring Ali Baba, his mother Barbara Baba and the town villain, Grabanazer.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Rd, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RG Dates & times: 12 & 13 February, 7.30pm & a 2.30pm Sat matinee Tickets: £10 (£7.50) Age: Suitable for all ages. solihullartscomplex.co.uk

First Stages - Cinder-ella

Tutti Frutti & York Theatre Royal: Snow Child

A magical seasonal story about the power of dreams.

Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date & time: Sun 17 Jan 2016, 11am & 2.30pm Tickets: Tickets £10 (£8) macbirmingham.co.uk

The Snow Queen

Presented by Ballet Theatre UK A beautiful re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale ballet.

Follow Gerda’s incredible adventure across the frozen north to the Snow Queen’s Palace of Ice. Can she break the Queen’s evil spell of eternal winter, and free her beloved Kay? Venue: Crescent Theatre Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE Date and time: 22 Jan, 7.30pm Tickets: 17.50 (Concessions 60+: £16.00), U16: £13.00 crescent-theatre.co.uk

Jack and The Beanstalk

Come and see the 30th annual charitable pantomime production presented by PwC as part of its Community Affairs Programme. Each year, the audience are amazed by this amateur dramatic group.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Suffolk St, Queensway, B’ham, B5 4DS Dates: 4 - 6 February Times: Varied - see website Tickets: £14 upwards atgtickets.com

Screen Juniors: Sleeping Beauty

Enjoy the magic of this classic tale at a family-friendly cinema experience.

Also, visitors can participate in the free drop-in activities on same day (11 – 2pm).

Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date & time: Sat 6 Feb 2016, 12pm (relaxed performance), 2pm Tickets: £3 macbirmingham.co.uk

Presented by Krazy Kat Theatre A tale about a grandfather’s imaginative way of babysitting. This performance features puppetry, sign language and even an aria!

Venue: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad St, B’ham, B1 2EP Date and time: 13 February, 11.30 & 2pm Tickets: Adults £9, Children £6, Babes-InArms £2 Age: Ideally 3+ birmingham-rep.co.uk

Kite

Presented by The Wrong Crowd in association with Soho Theatre One night, a handmade kite comes to life and changes the lonely existence of a young girl. A wild adventure begins! A production featuring storytelling, music and puppetry.

There is also a pre-show puppet-making workshop on both performance days, £5, 10am, REP Mezzanine Venue: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad St, B’ham, B1 2EP Dates & times: 16 to 17 February 2016, 11.30 & 2.30 Tickets: Adults £9, Children £6, Babes-InArms £2 birmingham-rep.co.uk

they find them before midnight?

Songs, games and a whole lot of fun!

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Rd, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RG Date & time: Sat 20th Feb, 2pm Tickets: £10 Age: Suitable for all ages. solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Footloose

Presented by SOSage Factory Limber up your dancing feet, and head down to Solihull Arts Complex to see this electric production. Songs include ‘Holding Out For a Hero’, ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’, ‘Mama Says’, and, of course, the title song ‘Footloose’.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Rd, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RG Dates and times: 25 – 27 February, 7:30 pm, 2:30pm Saturday matinee Tickets: £9 - £13 Age: Suitable for all ages solihullartscomplex.co.uk

The Laughing Sole Comedy for Kids

A great family friendly comedy show, suitable for children and their parents.

Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date & time: Sun 28 Feb, 2pm Tickets: Family Ticket £24 Age: Ideally for 5+ years macbirmingham.co.uk

Tortoise In A Nutshell & Oliver Emanuel: The Lost Things

A dark fairytale set in a terrifying fantasy world. Things are lost, and then found when you are even looking for them.

Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date & time: Thu 18 – Sat 20 Feb 2016 11.30am & 2.30pm Tickets: Tickets £10 (£8) Age: 8+ years macbirmingham.co.uk

Celebrate this winter season by taking the family to see this beautiful tale. Share the young boy’s adventure with his new best friend – his very own living snowman.

Venue: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad St, B’ham, B1 2EP Dates: 20 to 24 January 2016 Times: Varied - see website Tickets: £13.50 – £35 birmingham-rep.co.uk

***Please check the venue’s website in case of changes to their schedule. Thank you.

BANG! The Ultimate Pop Show

An all singing, all dancing pop show. If you love the songs of Olly Murs, Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Bruno Mars, this is the show for you. Entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Rd, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RG Date & time: 17 February, 2.30pm Tickets: £12 solihullartscomplex.co.uk

The Snowman

Krazy Kat Theatre presents

CINDER-ELLA Saturday 13 February

INTRODUCING CHILDREN TO THE MAGIC OF THEATRE

3+

SPRING AND SUMMER 2016 SEASON INCLUDES

The Wrong Crowd in association with Soho Theatre

7+

KITE

16 & 17 February

Kenny Wax presents

HETTY FEATHER

By Jacqueline Wilson Adapted for the stage by Emma Reeves Directed by Sally Cookson

7+

8 - 12 March

M6 Theatre Company presents

Count Duckula & The Jewels Of Duckula Sleeping Beauty

A ballet production presented by Matthew Bourne. A beautiful production of a timeless story. See this classic romantic fairytale brought to life.

Count Duckula is live on stage for the very first time!

Duckula (a vegetarian who prefers broccoli instead of blood), Nanny and Igor are in a race against time to save the long lost treasure – the jewels of Duckula. Will

TADPOLES 5+

Saturday 12 March

Box Office

Book Online

0121 236 4455 birminghamrep

BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK

@birminghamrep

@therepbirmingham

Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660

Issue 21

21

What’s On

Like us on FACEBOOK Families Birmingham, Solihull & Sutton Coldfield

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Relaxed Performance

An entertaining story of the adventures of a family in hunt of a bear. This is a performance for all, but particularly for those on with an autistic spectrum condition.

There will be chill out zones, and special attention to lighting and sound levels.

Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ Date: 10.1.16, Times: 3pm, Tickets: £12 Box Office: 0121 780 3333 thsh.co.uk

Park, Solihull, B91 3HW, 0121 704 0768 Dates: Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 26 Cost: £3.50 per child Times: 10.30 – 12pm, or 1 – 2.30pm warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Family Saturday

The Ikon Gallery welcomes families along to an afternoon of creative thoughtprovoking challenge. No need to book, just turn up and take part!

Venue: Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS Date: Saturday 9 January 2016 Times: 1— 4pm Phone: 0121 248 0708 ikon-gallery.org

Big Garden Bird Watch

Check website nearer date for full details.

Venue: Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. B36 9BT Date: 31.1.16 Times: 11 – 3pm Entry Fee: £4 adults, £1 Children Phone: 0121 749 4100 cbhgt.org.uk

Nature Babies

A drop in messy play session, based on nature. Free-flow choice for 0-4’s. Messy indoor play or muddy outdoor play.

Wildlife Theme regularly changes, e.g. scruffy squirrels, mucky mini-beasts, etc.

Booking advised.

Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HW, 0121 704 0768 Dates: January 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8 Times: 10 – 12pm Tickets: £3.50 warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Amazing Animal Antics

Watch the rat and rabbit agility shows and cuddle the fluffy animals. Are you brave enough to handle a snake? Also - animal crafts, shows in the family theatre and falconry displays throughout the day.

Venue: Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA Dates: Weekends, 2nd - 31st January 2016 Times: 10am to 5.30pm Tickets: See website for pricing details.

Phone: 01926 843411 hattonworld.com

Nature Tots

Outdoor activities and indoor games and crafts designed to encourage an early interest in wildlife at Brandon Marsh and Parkridge Centre. Various themes - call or visit website for details.

Booking essential.

Venue: Brandon Marsh, Brandon Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV3 3GW Phone: 0121 704 0768 Dates: Jan. 7, 14, 21, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 25 Time: 10.30 – 12pm OR at: Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton

Bleak Midwinter Living History Weekend

Find out how our ancestors lived through the bleak mid winter at Avoncroft Museum’s historic houses. How did they keep the cold at bay?

Venue: Avoncroft Museum Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Dates: January 23, 24 Times: 10.30 – 4pm Tickets: Adult – £8.80; Senior – £7.70; Child (5+) – £4.50 Phone: 01527 831363 to book avoncroft.org.uk

Moscow State Circus

The Moscow State Circus returns to the UK with a show not to be missed.

Venue: Symphony Hall Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA Date: 28.1.16 Times: 7.30pm Tickets: £15 - £28 Box Office: 0121 780 3333 thsh.co.uk

Half Term Bug Fun Grab your magnifying glass and join us for a week of bug hunting, story telling, face painting and more.

15th - 19th February Visit our website for more information

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Find us on:

Your support keeps the Gardens growing

22

Issue 21

Families@4

An hour long concert for the whole family.

Part of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s family concert series. Preconcert activities available from 3pm.

Venue: CBSO Centre Berkley St, Birmingham, B1 2LF Date: 6.2.16 Time: 4pm Tickets: £5, under 3s go free.

Box Office: 0121 345 0491 bcmg.org.uk

Family Film Favourites

A musical journey through all your favourites: Star Wars, Toy Story, Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Shrek, Despicable Me, Frozen, The Lego Movie and many, many more. Get ready to hear them like never before - in fabulous symphonic sound!

Venue: Symphony Hall Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA Date: 7.2.16 Times: 2:30pm Tickets: £10 Box Office: 0121 780 3333 thsh.co.uk

Chinese New Year

Come and join in with the lovely Chinese New Year celebrations in the gardens.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Rd, Birmingham, B15 3TR Date: 8.2.16 Times: All day event Phone: 0121 454 1860 birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Dinosaur Zoo Meet the T-REX! Children’s Market

Come along to purchase new and nearly new children’s goods.

Venue: Rowheath Pavillion, Bournville, B30 1HH Date: Sat 30th Jan Times: 9.30 – 12.30pm Free admission Radicalpenguinevents.co.uk

Music Maze

Do your children love dinosaurs? Bring them along to meet T-Rex and friends up close. See the prehistoric creatures brought to life before your eyes, Venue: Town Hall Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ Dates: 13.2.16 & 14.2.16 Times: 2pm Tickets: £12.50 - £15 Box Office: 0121 780 3333 thsh.co.uk

Creative music workshop with professional musicians. This workshop will give children the chance to create music inspired by Jonathan Harvey’s Cirrus Light. Places are free but limited, so booking is essential.

Venue: CBSO Centre, Berkley St, Birmingham, B1 2LF Date: 31.1.16 Times: 10am – 2.30pm Age: 8 – 11years Phone: 0121 616 2616 bcmg.org.uk

What’s On

Follow us on TWITTER @familiesbirm Wildlife Watch (2+) at the Parkridge Centre

See what wildlife you can spot and complete fun activities to gain stickers.

Win all eight stickers to get a certificate and a badge. Booking advised.

Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HW, 0121 704 0768 Dates: February 15, Times: 11 – 12pm; 2 – 3pm £3.50 per child with one FREE accompanying adult warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Wildlife Watch (2+) at the Brandon Marsh

See what wildlife you can spot and complete fun activities to gain stickers.

Win all eight stickers to get a certificate and a badge. Booking advised.

Venue: Brandon Marsh, Brandon Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV3 3GW, 0121 704 0768 Dates: February 15, Times: 11 – 12pm; 2 – 3pm £3.50 per child with one FREE accompanying adult warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Thomas and Friends Weekends

Selected rides open.

Venue: Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, B78 3TW Dates: February, 27 & 28; March 5 & 6 Times: 10.30am-4pm Costs: Call, or visit website for details.

Tel: 01827 287979 draytonmanor.co.uk ***Please check the venues’ websites in case of changes to schedule. Thank you.

February Half Term Activities Family Fun Circus

There will be a full programme of indoor entertainment with circus skill workshops and shows. PLUS meet the newly born lambs!

Venue: Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA Dates: February Half Term Times: 10am to 5.30pm Tickets: See website for pricing details.

Phone: 01926 843411 hattonworld.com

Dutch Fun!

Windmill making craft sessions; Dutch Grand Masterclass; Dutch Trains; A taste of Holland.

Venue: Wonderful World of Trains and Planes, 3 Mary Ann St, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1BG Dates: - 15/02/2016 - 19/02/2016 Ticket: Family Ticket - £18.50 Phone: 0121 227 4000 wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk

Fragonard Family Day

Part of the brilliant Creative Sunday workshops and family days.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Date: 16.2.16 Times: 11 – 3pm Tickets: Free – Drop in Box Office: 01 21 414 7333 barber.org.uk

Snowdrops and Hellebores A day of family activities. Check the website nearer the day of the event for further details.

Venue: Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. B36 9BT Date: 20.2.16 Times: 11 – 3pm Entry Fee: £4 adults, £1 Children Tel: 0121 749 4100 cbhgt.org.uk

Star Wars & Beyond - A Space Spectacular

Enjoy an evening of space inspired musical entertainment.

Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA Date: 26.2.16 Times: 7:30pm Tickets: £16.50 - £44.50 Box Office: 0121 780 3333 thsh.co.uk

I Got Rhythm!

When it comes to shaking and rattling instruments toddlers are naturally star performers! At this concert there will be lots to see, and plenty of chances for little feet to get up, move around, and make some serious noise!

Venue: CBSO Centre, Berkley St, Birmingham, B1 2LF Date: February 26 & 27 Times: 10.30, 11am, 1.30, 3.30 Tickets: £8 Box Office: 0121 345 0499 cbso.co.uk

Half Term Fun

Go to the Botanical Gardens for bug hunting, craft activities, face painting and lots of games!

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR Date(s): 15/02/2016 - 19/02/2016 Tickets: See website for pricing details.

Tel: 0121 454 1860 birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Spring Half Term Courses

Learn new skills at mac birmingham during half term. Child and family classes available in textiles, dancing, cardboard costume making, singing club, family photography, art and design, drama, make a play in a day, draw something (KS2), creative writing, animation, musical theatre, and more.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH Date(s): 13th – 21st February Costs: Varied. Call, or visit website for details.

Tel: 0121 446 3232 macbirmingham.co.uk

Drayton Manor

Selected rides open for half term.

Venue: Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, B78 3TW Dates: February, 13 – 21 Times: Weekdays: 9:45am-5:00pm; Weekends: 9:45am-6:00pm Costs: Call, or visit website for details.

Tel: 01827 287979 draytonmanor.co.uk

Treasure Island

All aboard the Hispaniola for some pirate fun at Avoncroft Museum! You might even find some buried treasure…

Venue: Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Dates: Monday 15th – Sunday 21st February Times: 10.30 – 4pm Tickets: Adult – £8.80; Senior – £7.70;

Child (5+) – £4.50 Phone: 01527 831363 to book. avoncroft.org.uk

Half Term Childcare

(Extended day 8.30am-5.30pm) To book: 07716 926 147 or mattholdback@justcamps.co.uk justcamps.co.uk

All Active Sports Venue: Eversfield School, Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1AT Times: 9.30am – 4.30pm. (Free early drop off from 8.30am and late collection up to 5.30pm) To book: 07912 936 361 or info@allactivesports.co.uk allactivesports.co.uk

Ultimate Activity Camps

Aspire Active Camps

The Strings Club

Venue 1: Hagley High School, Brake Lane, Hagley, DY8 2XL Venue 2: Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2NH Venue 3: Tudor Grange Academy, Dingle Lane, Solihull, B91 3PD Times: 10am – 4pm (Extended day 8am – 6pm) To book: 0121 663 1979 or info@aspire-sports.co.uk aspire-sports.co.uk

Just Camps

Venue: St. Peter’s School, Whitefields Rd, Solihull, B91 3NZ Times: 9 - 3:30pm

Venue: King Edward VI High School, Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2UB Times: 9.30 – 4.30pm (Extended day 8.30 – 5.15pm) To book: 0844 870 7077 or help@ultimateactivity.co.uk ultimateactivity.co.uk

Award winning musically themed school holiday childcare. This can include learning the basics of ukulele, guitar or violin, or learning new music on a string instrument your child can already play.

The Strings Club offers holiday care during most school holidays. String Club venues are in Harborne.

Times: 10am - 3.30pm (Extended day 8.30 – 5.45pm) To book: 0121 296 9204 or info@thestringsclub.org thestringsclub.org ***Please check the organisers’ websites in case of changes to schedule. Thank you.

Interiors

Antiques, Soft Furnishing, Weddings Floristry & Wood -burners, The Collection Giftware, Curtains & Blinds.

Interests

Tack Shop and Animal Feed, Reflections plus Giftware & Toys, Art, Fairies, Candles, Needlework and Bunting to order, Florist, Wood-turning. Pottery Parties Shop en

Food

Now Op

Licensed Restaurant, Chocolate Shop, Tea Rooms.

Enjoy thge shoppinnce experie

Fashion

Knitwear, Jewellery, Handbags. Bespoke Wedding, Cocktail and Daywear, corsetry and Theatre Costume. Bespoke hand made Leather Bags, Wallets, Belts etc.

Fun

The Children’s Farm & Parties, Pets Corner.

Open all year (inc Bank Holidays) Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm Tel: 024 7639 4433 www.hoar-park.co.uk B4114 Nr Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 0QU Issue 21

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JOIN US FOR AN

ADVENTURE Moscow State Circus

How the Lion became King of Tinga Tinga Land Friday 1 April 2pm Saturday 2 April 11am Relaxed Performance Saturday 2 April 3pm Town Hall

Thursday 28 January 7.30pm Symphony Hall

Dinosaur Zoo Meet the T-REX!

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra & Town Hall Symphony Hall presents

Disney Frozen in Concert

Box office 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk

Town Hall Symphony Hall

townhallsymphonyhall

@THSHBirmingham

thsh_birmingham

© Disney

Saturday 13 February – Sunday 14 February 2pm Town Hall

Funded by

Saturday 16 April 2pm & 6pm Symphony Hall

Town Hall renovation also funded by

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Maths Reading Call today English Spelling for a FREE Comprehension assessment Tel: 0121 401 1814 78 Walsall Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4QY

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